An interview with God

I dreamed I had an interview with God.
"Come in," God said. "So, you would like to interview Me?"

"If you have the time," I said.

God smiled and said: "My time is eternity and is enough to do everything; What questions do you have in mind to ask me?"

"What surprises you most about mankind?"

God answered:

"That they get bored of being children, are in a rush to grow up, and then long to be children again.

"That they lose their health to make money and then lose their money to restore their health.

"That by thinking anxiously about the future, they forget the present, such that they live neither for the present nor the future.

"That they live as if they will never die, and they die as if they had never lived."

God's hands took mine and we were silent for awhile and then I asked...

"As a parent, what are some of life's lessons you want your children to learn?"

God replied with a smile:

"To learn that they cannot make anyone love them. What they can do is to let themselves be loved.

"To learn that what is most valuable is not what they have in their lives, but who they have in their lives.

"To learn that it is not good to compare themselves to others. All will be judged individually on their own merits, not as a group on a comparison basis!

"To learn that a rich person is not the one who has the most, but is one who needs the least.

"To learn that it only takes a few seconds to open profound wounds in persons we love, and that it takes many years to heal them.

"To learn to forgive by practicing forgiveness.

"To learn that there are persons that love them dearly, but simply do not know how to express or show their feelings.

"To learn that money can buy everything but happiness.

"To learn that two people can look at the same thing and see it totally different.

"To learn that a true friend is someone who knows everything about them...and likes them anyway.

"To learn that it is not always enough that they be forgiven by others, but that they have to forgive themselves."

I sat there for awhile enjoying the moment. I thanked Him for his time and for all that He has done for me and my family, and He replied, "Anytime. I'm here 24 hours a day. All you have to do is ask for me, and I'll answer."

Guide on How to Manage Stress

Stress Management is more than anger management and relaxation. It is self management. There are many different ways to manage stress. I have compiled the various stress management techniques that are simple and most effective to follow and practice. Please feel free to use as many as you can, keeping an open mind, so you can have a collection of techniques that are the most effective for you.

1.
Feel Good about your Self
2.
Take Care of your Body
3.
Develop the Right Attitude
4.
Develop the Right Environment
5.
Short Tips for Busy People

1. Feel Good about your Self

If you want to bring down your level of stress level in a matter of minutes, these techniques will help you. Use them as needed to feel better quickly; practice them regularly over time and gain even greater benefits.

Ø Deep Breathing from the Abdomen

Ø Meditation

Ø Having a dose of Laughter

Ø Progressive Muscular Relaxation

Ø Listening to light music

Ø Practicing Yoga

Ø Aerobic Exercises

Ø Creative Visualization
2. Take Care of Body

When we're stressed, we don't always take care of our bodies, which can lead to even more stress. Here are some important ways to take care of yourself and keep stress levels lower.

Ø Eat Healthy low fats â€" high protein meals

Ø Have six to eight hours of regular sleep

Ø Exercise regularly

Ø Develop a Hobby

Ø Have healthy Sex Life
3. Develop the Right Attitude

Attitude plays a great role in managing stress. Much of your experience of stress has a lot to do with your attitude and the way you perceive your life's events. Here are some resources to help you maintain a stress-relieving attitude.

Ø Let go your Ego

Ø Have a Optimistic approach to life

Ø Do not react under pressure

Ø Stop Worrying about things not in your control

Ø Accept that everything cannot be perfect

Ø Find an opportunity in every problem

Ø Say good things to your self â€" affirmations

Ø Have a health sense of humour
4. Develop the Right Environment

Having ambiance and pleasant environment make stress management very easy. Your physical and emotional surroundings can impact your stress levels in subtle but significant ways. Here are several ways you can change your atmosphere and less your stress.

Ø Clutter free home, office and working desk

Ø Green and Clean surrounding

Ø Light instrumental music

Ø Motivational Posters

Ø Words of Wisdom
5. Short Tips for Busy People

Busy People add a lot of stress to their already stressed life. People who may have more stressors in their lives is because they have more activity in their lives, and less time to devote to stress management. If you're a busy person, these resources can help you to manage stress efficiently in a short amount of time, and eliminate some of what's causing you stress in the first place.

Ø Time Management Tips

Ø Communication Skills

Ø Listening Skills

Ø Managing Priorities

Ø Enhancing Team Work

Ø Enhancing People Skills

Celebrating life with God

Life is not a race,
but a journey to be savored each step of the way.

Yesterday is History,

Tomorrow is a Mystery and

Today is a gift from God: that's why we call it
THE PRESENT

LIVE LIFE!!!! CELEBRATE LIFE WITH GOD!!!!!

Words of Strength:

Friendships are priceless, time is invaluable,
health is wealth, and love is a treasure.

Create a nest egg of beautiful memories
that you can dip into from time to time
to ease any sorrows.

Have the kind of remembrances
that raise you up with their worth
and keep you there with their wonder.

Always have a secret supply of hopes on hand
to help you plan your tomorrows.

Remember that when you invest in your dreams
it is impossible to overpay.

Give away smiles,
and watch them come back to you
a hundred times over.

Stuff your pockets with kindness and optimism;
there is nothing more precious in the world.

I'm sharing this advice with you today
because you are an important piece
in the puzzle of my life.

About Friendship

If there is one ingredient which adds
warmth and love to our lives...
it is friendship.

If there is one relationship to help
us through all the others...
it is friendship.

Friends surround us with the beauty
of there caring. With friends we can
share what we see, what we feel,
and what we love.

Friends help us with our problems
because they listen. And as they listen
we begin to hear the language of...
our own hearts.

With friends we can walk along the
remembered paths of our lives and
completely share our experiences.

With friends we can work the soil of
forgotten dreams that needed to be
tended and nurtured once again.

With friends we can plant the seed
of our hearts new dreams.

We can always return to a friend like
going back to a special place...
and find the same warm feeling
unchanged by time or distance.

Life gives us friends so we can share
the precious times and memorable moments
of being children, and teenagers,
and adults, and parents and grandparents.

Life gives us friends so we can share
the growing up...and growing down and old.

With friends we have a place to go to be
accepted and understood.
Together we can laugh.
Together we can cry.

Our thoughts are heard,
our feelings are held
in the heart of a friend.

With friends our lives are made
more full, more rich, more open,
beautiful and blessed!

I am Glad I Have
You as a Friend.

God is always near

One thing can always cheer me,
When I'm feeling sad and low;
When I tire of daily trials,
That I have to undergo;

When those who should seem closest,
Seem like people I don't even know,
One thing can always cheer me,
I know that God is near me.
One thing can always cheer me
When I don't understand;

How pain and sadness in our lives,
Can get so out of hand;
When the best of human efforts,
Doesn't meet the days demands,
One thing can always cheer me,
I know that God is near me.

One thing can always cheer me,
More than anything I've known;
And show me I will never
Have to struggle on my own.
For no matter what might ever happen,
I know I will never be alone,
The thing that always cheers me
Is just knowing God is near me.

With what I have, today I...

Today I smiled, and all at once
Things didn't look so bad.

Today I shared with someone else,
A little bit of hope I had.

Today I sang a little song,
And felt my heart grow light.
I walked a happy little mile,
With not a cloud in sight.

Today I worked with what I had,
And longed for nothing more,
And what had seemed like only weeds,
Were flowers at my door.

Today I loved a little more,
And complained a little less.
And in the giving of myself,
I forgot my weariness.

Carry A Heart that Never Hates.
Carry a Smile that Never Fades.
Carry a Touch that never Hurts

Reflecting on Love and Marriage?

Love and Marriage

Love is holding hands in the street.
Marriage is holding arguments in the street.


Love is dinner for 2 in your favorite restaurant.
Marriage is a take home packet.


Love is cuddling on a sofa.
Marriage is one of them sleeping on a sofa.


Love is talking about having children.
Marriage is talking about getting away from children.


Love is going to bed early.
Marriage is going to sleep early.


Love is a romantic drive.
Marriage is arrive on tops curvy tarmac .


Love is losing your appetite.
Marriage is losing your figure.


Love is sweet nothing in the ear.
Marriage is sweet nothing in the bank.


Tv has no place in love.
Marriage is a fight for remote control.


Love is 1 drink and 2 straws.
Marriage is "Don't you think you've had enough!".


Conclusion: "Love is blind, Marriage is an eye opener!"

God can

When you feel unlovable, unworthy and unclean,
when you think that no one can heal you,
Remember, Friend,
God Can.

When you think that you are unforgivable
for your guilt and your shame
Remember, Friend,
God Can.

When you think that all is hidden
and no one can see within
Remember, Friend,
God Can.

And when you have reached the bottom
And you think that no one can hear
Remember my dear Friend
God Can.

And when you think that no one can love
The real person deep inside of you
Remember my dear Friend,
God Does.

Dreaming through difficulty

Dream what you want to dream; go where you
want to go; be what you want to be,
because you have only one life and one
chance to do all the things you want to do.

It takes only a minute to get a crush on someone,
an hour to like someone, and a day to love someone,
but it takes a lifetime to forget someone.

It's true that we don't know what we've
got until we lose it, but it's also true
that we don't know what we've been
missing until it arrives.

When the door of happiness closes,
another opens, but often times we look
so long at the closed door that we don't
see the one which has been opened for us.

Maybe God wants us to meet a
few wrong people before meeting
the right one so that when we finally
meet the right person, we will know
how to be grateful for that gift.

A friend

I am a different person,
a better person,
since we first became friends.
Your honesty helps me
to see my weaknesses,
and your support helps me
to turn them into strengths.

Thank you
for not saying the things
you think I want to hear,
but for saying the things
I need to know.
You're one of the few people
I trust when you tell me
that I've done well,
because you are one of the few
who will tell me
when I could do better.

You challenge me
to be the best I can be...
by accepting and appreciating me,
you've helped me
learn to accept
and appreciate myself.

Thanks for Being a Friend!

Learning from creatures

A crow was sitting on a tree, doing nothing all day. A small rabbit saw the crow, and asked him, "Can I also sit like you and do nothing all day long?"
The crow answered: "Sure, why not."
So, the Rabbit sat on the ground below the crow, and rested. All of a sudden, a fox appeared, jumped on the rabbit and ate it.
Moral of the story: To be sitting and doing nothing, you must be sitting very, very high up.

*************************

A turkey was chatting with a bull. "I would love to be able to get to the top of that tree," sighed the turkey, "but I haven't got the energy."
"Well, why don't you nibble on some of my droppings?" replied the bull.
"They're packed with nutrients." The turkey pecked at a lump of dung and found that it actually gave him enough strength to reach the first branch of the tree.
The next day, after eating some more dung, he reached the second branch. Finally after a fortnight, there he was proudly perched at the top of the tree. Soon, he was promptly spotted by a farmer, who shot the turkey out of the tree.
Moral of the story: Bullshit might get you to the top, but it won't keep you there.

*************************

A little bird was flying south for the winter. It was so cold, the bird froze and fell to the ground in a large field. While it was lying there, a cow came by and dropped some dung on it. As the frozen bird lay there in the pile of cow dung, it began to realize how warm it was. The dung was actually thawing him out! He lay there all warm and happy, and soon began to sing for joy. A passing cat heard the bird singing and came to investigate.
Following the sound, the cat discovered the bird under the pile of cow dung, and promptly dug him out and ate him!
The morals of this story are:
1) Not everyone who drops shit on you is your enemy.
2) Not everyone who gets you out of shit is your friend.
3) And when you're in deep shit, keep your mouth shut.

Patience speaking

BE PATIENT

This is a true story which happened in the States. A man came out of his home to admire his new truck. To his puzzlement, his three-year-old son was happily hammering dents into the shiny paint of the truck. The man ran to his son, knocked him away, hammered the little boy's hands into pulp as punishment. When the father calmed down, he rushed his son to the hospital.

Although the doctor tried desperately to save the crushed bones, he finally had to amputate the fingers from both the boy's hands. When the boy woke up from the surgery & saw his bandaged stubs, he innocently said, "Daddy, I'm sorry about your truck." Then he asked, "but when are my fingers going to grow back?" The father went home & committed suicide.

Think about this story the next time someone steps on your feet or u wish to take revenge. Think first before u lose your patience with someone u love. Trucks can be repaired.. Broken bones & hurt feelings often can't. Too often we fail to recognize the difference between the person and the performance. We forget that forgiveness is greater than revenge.

People make mistakes. We are allowed to make mistakes. But the actions we take while in a rage will haunt us forever.

Obeying the convictions of your conscience...

PERSONAL PERCEPTION

Different people have different perception. One man's meat could be another man's poison. A couple bought a donkey from the market. On the way home, a boy commented, "Very stupid. Why neither of them ride on the donkey? "Upon hearing that, the husband let the wife ride on the donkey. He walked besides them. Later, an old man saw it and commented, "The husband is the head of family. How can the wife ride on the donkey while the husband is on foot?" Hearing this, the wife quickly got down and let the husband ride on the donkey.

Further on the way home, they met an old Lady. She commented, "How can the man ride on the donkey but let the wife walk. He is no gentleman."
The husband thus quickly asked the wife to join him on the donkey. Then, they met a young man. He commented, "Poor donkey, how can you hold up the weight of two persons. They are cruel to you." Hearing that, the husband and wife immediately climbed down from the donkey and carried it on their shoulders.

It seems to be the only choice left. Later, on a nar row bridge, the donkey was frightened and struggled. They lost their balance and fell into the river. You can never have everyone praise you, nor will everyone condemn you. Never in the past, not at present, and never will be in the future.

Thus, do not be too bothered by others words if our conscience is clear..

Speech?

RIGHT SPEECH !!

There is a Chinese saying which carries the meaning that "A speech will either prosper or ruin a nation." Many relationships break off because of wrong speech. When a couple is too close with each other, we always forget mutual respect and courtesy. We may say anything without considering if it would hurt the other party.

A friend and her millionaire husband visited their construction site. A worker who wore a helmet saw her and shouted, "Hi, Emily! Remember me? We used to date in the secondary school." On the way home, her millionaire husband teased her, "Luckily you married me. Otherwise you will be the wife of a construction worker." She answered,"You should appreciate that you married me. Other wise, he will be the millionaire and not you."

Frequently exchanging these remarks plants the seed for a bad relationship. It's like a broken egg - cannot be reversed.

Perfect relationships?

CREATING PERFECT RELATIONSHIPS?

A person visited the government matchmaker for marriage, SDU, and requested "I am looking for a spouse. Please help me to find a suitable one." The SDU officer said, "Your requirements, please." "Oh, good looking, polite, humorous , sporty, knowledgeable, good in singing and dancing. Willing to accompany me the whole day at home during my leisure hour, if I don't go out. Telling me interesting stories when I need companion for conversation and be silent when I want to rest." The officer listened carefully and replied, "I understand you need television."

There is a saying that a perfect match can only be found between a blind wife and a deaf husband, because the blind wife cannot see the faults of the husband and the deaf husband cannot hear the nagging of the wife. Many couples are blind and deaf at the courting stage and dream of perpetual perfect relationship. Unfortunately, when the excitement of love wears off, they wake up and discover that marriage is not a bed of roses. The nightmare begins.

Marriage ought to be a daily faithful journey towards true perfection, hence given the fact of the human nature, couples ought to submit each moment, inviting God to walk with them in the inevitable paths of mountains and hills of everyday.

Overpowering?

NO OVERPOWERING

Many relationships fail because one party tries to overpower another, or demands too much. People in love tend to think that love will conquer all and their spouses will change the bad habits after marriage. Actually, this is not the case. There is a Chinese saying which carries the meaning that "It is easier to reshape a mountain or a river than a person's character."

It is not easy to change. Thus, having high expectation on changing the spouse character will cause disappointment and unpleasantness.

It would be less painful to change ourselves and lower our expectations..

Pointing fingers

No pointing fingers

A man asked his father-in-law, "Many people praised you for a successful marriage. Could you please share with me your secret?"
The father-in-law answered in a smile, "Never criticize your wife for her shortcomings or when she does something wrong. Always bear in mind that because of her shortcomings and weaknesses, she could not find a better husband than you."

We all look forward to being loved and respected. Many people are afraid of losing face. Generally, when a person makes a mistake, he would look around to find a scapegoat to point the finger at. This is the start of a war. We should always remember that when we point one finger at a person, the other four fingers are pointing at ourselves.

If we forgive the others, others will ignore our mistake too.

I depend on you

Because I know I can depend on you.
Because you know when to laugh at me and when to take me seriously.

Because you know what to repeat and what to keep to yourself.
Because you sense the feelings behind the words.
Because you always see something positive in me.

Because you are never fake but are always honest with me.
Because you are a giver not only of your time but of yourself.
Because you are a rare combination of strength and sensitivity.

Because you know me better than most people.
Because you are not afraid to step out into the unknown.
And most of all because I have the privilege of calling you friend.

Silent treatment ?

Silent Treatment

A man and his wife were having some problems at home and were giving each other the silent treatment.

The next week, the man realized that he would need his wife to wake him at 5:00 AM for an early morning business flight to Chicago. Not wanting to be the first to break the silence (AND LOSE), he wrote on a piece of paper, "Please wake me at 5:00 AM."
The next morning the man woke up, only to discover it was 9:00 AM and that he had missed his flight.

Furious, he was about to go and see why his wife hadn't awakened him, when he noticed a piece of paper by the bed. The paper said, "It is 5:00 AM. Wake up."
Men are not equipped for these kinds of contests.

The wealth of Friendship

When I am deeply pondering,
I often recollect
the many treasures I have found
in Friendship and Respect.
So many times from past mistakes,
I've learned how not to be.
I heeded words of wise advice
from those who helped me see
that Life is short, and all that counts
are Friends that we have made;
for Kindliness leaves memories
which Time can never fade.

For if we wait for "better days"
to act on good intention,
the Future soon will pass us by
without the slightest mention.
The Past is gone, the Future hid . . .
so while we live and strive,
If any person we can aid,
our memory will thrive.
I've found through long experience
that helping in this way,
will make this world a better place---
and others' woes allay.

If I pass on to those I meet
this wisdom I've been taught,
I know they'll have the best in Life
of that which can't be bought.

Some highlights on a healthy life

Our bodies are our God-given instruments for experiencing a fulfilling life, for doing good works, and for spiritual development. Gods plan for each of us involves maintaining a sound mind, body, and soul. In her latest book, Joyce addresses the self-esteem drought that leads us to bad health habits. She includes practical tools that help make complete self-maintenance an easy part of any daily routine. Revealing 12 keys to reclaiming our health through such things as exercise, eating habits, soul care, and responsibility, Joyce uses her engaging style to reveal how simple the restoration process really is.

Thank you for everything

Thank you for the love you've shown me.
Thank you for setting a good example for me.
Thank you for forgiving me when I did wrong.
Thank you for teaching me the lessons of life.
Thank you for helping me set goals.
Thank you for sharing in my accomplishments.
Thank you for giving me a shoulder to lean on.
Thank you for making my life easier.
Thank you for caring about me.
Thank you for spending time with me.
Thank you for always being there when I need you.
Thank you for being my friend.
Thank You For Everything!

~ And Then There Was You ~

Just as I was giving up on love
yes it is so very true
And was I giving up on hope
And then there was you

Just as I was down and out
And feeling so darned blue
All I had to do was turn around
And then there was you

Just as my world was shrinking
And friends was so very few
Then I looked all around me
And then there was you

Just as I thought
Things was meant that way too
I just had to open my eyes
And then there was you

Just as nothing was going right
And I needed a friend like you
All I had to do was pray
And then there was you

I had prayed for an angel
But had given up on that too
Before I could even picture it
And then there was you

Just when all else failed
And I was feeling so blue
I just close my eyes
And then there was you

Just as God made the heavens
And the skies so perfect blue
I prayed for someone to love me
And then there was you

~ Give Me Your Tears ~

Give me all your tears
and I will take them to the sea
I am the keeper of all tears
for it is I who will set them free.

They will mix with other tears
from the world both far and wide
folks just like you in stressful times
who felt such a need to cry.

Those tears of hurt and pain
of loneliness in your heart
burdens you've carried for so long
for in the oceans they will depart.

Tears you've shed because of loss
of someone loved so very much
Those tears I will release for you
and your loved one will keep in touch.

If you have trouble finding them
and your well of tears have dried
bring up the ones deep in your heart
those tears that you've tried to hide.

Give those tears that drag you down
that weigh heavily on your mind
the tears locked up in your past
the ones you are afraid to find.

I will take all the tears you give
and as I release them to the sea
your heart will feel so much lighter
that you gave them unto Me.

Love, Jesus

Be happy today...

We convince ourselves that life will be better after we get married, have a baby, then another. Then we are frustrated that the kids aren't old enough and we'll be more content when they are.

After that, we're frustrated that we have teenagers to deal with. We will certainly be happy when they are out of that stage. We tell ourselves that our life will be complete when our spouse gets his or her act together, when we get a nicer car, are able to go on a nice vacation,or when we retire.

The truth is, there's no better time to be happy than right now. If not now, when? Your life will always be filled with challenges. It's best to admit this to yourself and decide to be happy anyway. Happiness is the way. So, treasure every moment that you have and treasure it more because you shared it with someone special, special enough to spend your time with... and remember that time waits for no one.

So, stop waiting
--until your car or home is paid off
--until you get a new car or home
--until your kids leave the house
--until you go back to school
--until you lose ten pounds
--until you gain ten pounds
--until you finish school
--until you get a divorce
--until you get married
--until you have kids
--until you retire
--until summer
--until spring
--until winter
--until fall
--until you pass away...

There is no better time than right now to be happy.

Happiness is a journey, not a destination.

So -- work like you don't need money, Love like you've never been hurt, And dance like no one's watching.

My one true friend

And now, it is too late to say how you make
my life so different in your quiet way?
I can see the joy in simple things;
a sunlite sky and all the songs we used to sing.
I have walked and I have prayed.

I could forgive and we could start over again...
In the end, you are my one true friend.
For all the times you closed your eyes,
allowing me to stumble
or to be surprised by life with all
it's twists and turns.

I've made mistakes; you always knew I would,
And when I left it's you who stayed behind.
In the end you are my one true friend.
Though love may break, it never dies,
It changes shape through changing eyes.

What I denied I now can see
You always were the light inside of me
I have walked and I have prayed
I have forgiven and we could start again
In the end you are my one true friend
I always knew it was you
My one true friend...

It is good to risk dreaming sometimes

Everything Is Possible
...when you sincerely believe in your dream, and have a heart-felt commitment to see it come true. Only you can decide if that rings true for you.

But imagine for a moment being able to live your best life right now and every day that follows, watching your deepest desires and fondest hopes flourish in front of you.

Now please don't misunderstand. I'm not suggesting you'll never have bumps in the road or rough patches to navigate. This is life after all, not a fairy tale.

But with three simple steps you can literally transform your reality... turn it upside down and inside out if you choose. Take a moment and think about that. What would it mean to you to passionately experience life in a whole new way? I promise you, once you ignite your life with passion, every aspect of your life can change.

Perhaps when it comes to your dream you've believed "Well, sure it would be nice, but it will probably never happen, so why bother?" When you think about it, that kind of belief tragically dismisses your most heart-felt desires, as if they had no significance. Nothing could be further from the truth.

"Perhaps you hear a small voice saying that you can't have what you want, that you don't have the time or the resources to take on anything else. Don't worry about the nagging voice; you don't have to do anything yet. Neither do you have to base new dreams on the past.

Right now you simply have to be who you say you are; you can create a whole new life from this moment forward. Ask yourself what dreams a person with your life's purpose would want. Then listen for answers."

When you change your thoughts, you change your reality.

Transform your Dreams Into reality

People often ask "what exactly is a dream, anyway?" The answer is really quite simple. A dream is something you want that springs from your heart.

A dream is not a fantasy, like winning the lottery, where you can't do a thing to make it happen.
But a dream is attainable because you can easily design a strategy to bring it to life, once you know how. Whether it be a Mother Theresa type dream that changes the world, or a dream that offers a whole new life for you and your family, you can masterfully create the kind of life you want.

"All your dreams can come true
if you have the courage to pursue them."

Discover your purpose and passion

Your purpose isn't a big, looming goal you have to accomplish in your life.
Though you may not realize it, you already know what your purpose is
– it's just hidden inside you right now. And, once you have the tools to uncover your purpose, you'll be creating dreams that are a self -portrait of you.
This is huge.
When you look at the possibilities in your life while standing in your purpose,
you feel an incredible level of power and energy. You feel passion.
Once you discover, or maybe rediscover, your passion you'll be unstoppable!
Because your passion is the driving force
that propels your body, mind and heart in unison toward your dream.

~ What Friendship Does ~

Friendship is a special thing
That comes straight from the heart
It reaches out in many ways
To tenderly impart

A loving thought, a caring word
The touch of love that heals
The miracle of friendship
Is the heart that it reveals

A cup of coffee and a chat
Can get one through the day
Just a smile from warm, kind eyes
Gives more than words can say

Friendship is a blessed thing
A gift sent straight from God
It winds around your heart
Because it grows from Heavenly sod

We are the friendship flowers
That will open on the vine
Each time we share our beauty
We are spreading the Divine

Friendship makes a lovely world
More beautiful to behold
Our eyes aglow with love to flow
A treasure brighter than gold

O' friendship can do many things
And doesn't cost a dime
This one kind deed has such a power
To stand the test of time

So hold a hand out to someone
Don't worry 'bout what you'll see
It's all about what friendship does
'Tis love 'tween thee and me

One who cares

Let me be the rock to lean on.
Hands to help you walk the path
Remove traces of confusion
You are in my heart.

When the morning sun, rise
I will be your humming bird
To eliminate your distress
You are in my mind.

Your sad eyes filed with tears
Let me wipe it with caring stares
And we will look on the sunset together
You don't need to go farther.

When you feel everything is falling
let me raise you with my spirit
When pain resides in your heart
I will kiss them away with love.

When everyone is against you
I will stay and be your shield
Lift you up, be with you
I am your friend.

You are born in my heart
I will not disgrace your trust
Let me warm you with my love
Truly a friend, one who cares.

I truly care for you...

Brighter tommorows

Never stop caring
about the little things in life,
never stop dreaming
or give in to strife.


Never stop building bridges
that lead to promising tomorrows,
never stop trying
or give in to sorrows.


Never stop smiling
and looking forward to each new day,
But most of all my friend...
never stop shining in you own special way.


Never forget that all storms can clear,
the grayest sky can turn pure blue.
Remember, brighter tomorrows are near...
And of course, I'm always here for you.

I need you...

My friend, I need you now
Please take me by the hand.
Stand by me in my hour of need,

Take time to understand.
Take my hand, dear friend,
And lead me from this place.
Chase away my doubts and fears,
Wipe the tears from off my face.

Friend, I can't stand alone.
I need your hand to hold,
The warmth of your gentle touch
In my world that's grown so cold.

Please be a friend to me
And hold me day by day.
Because with your loving hand in mine,
I know we'll find the way.

Special to me

Sharing thoughts and feelings,
Good times and memories, too,
Helps build the kind of friendship
That will last a lifetime through.

Your friendship has been special
for a long,long time to me ~
I cherish everything we've done,
and each happy memory.

We've laughed together,
dreamed and shared,
Helped each other,
always cared ~

Your friendship has been special,
just as it will always be.

A letter to God

HELLO GOD
Hello God, I called tonight
To talk a little while...
I need a friend who'll listen
To my anxiety and trial...

You see, I can't quite make it
Through a day just on my own...
I need your love to guide me,
So I'll never feel alone.

I want to ask you please to keep,
My family safe and sound.
Come and fill their lives with confidence
For whatever fate they're bound.

Give me faith, dear God, to face
Each hour throughout the day,
And not to worry over things
I can't change in any way.

I thank you God, for being home.
And listening to my call,
For giving me such good advice
When I stumble and fall.

Your number, God, is the only one
That answers every time.
I never get a busy signal,
Never had to pay a dime.

So thank you, God, for listening
To my troubles and my sorrow.
Good night, God, I love You, too.
And I'll call again tomorrow!

It's good to know you love me...

It's good to know you love me
It's good to know you care
It's good to know you're sincere
When you say "You'll always be there"

It's good to know you love me
It's good to have you as a friend
For we never know when we might need
A hand or a heart to lend

It's good to know you love me
It's good to know I'm blessed
For when it comes to friends
Let me be the first to tell you,
"You are the best"

It's good to know you love me
Your love comes from your heart
For without a friend like you
I wouldn't know where to start

It's good to know you love me
Even though you know my past
I can only pray our friendship
And love will forever last

Definition of a real friend

If I could take a minute
To help you understand
I am a better person
Because you are my friend.

And it really doesn't matter
If we're together or apart
For I swept you up into my hands
And placed you in my heart.

And if at any moment
You ever start to doubt
There's a special bond between us
That I can't live without.

You truly are the answers
To many of my prayers
When I told God I needed
Someone who really cares.

Someone to stand beside me
To help comfort and to cope
To remind me that there's always
Some room for one to hope.

You've helped me through some things
That no one could help me through
I never knew what friendship was
Until I first met you.

And if I had one simple wish
It would surely be

That God would keep you in my life
Throughout all eternity.

And now I hope you realize
Just how much you mean to me
You are the definition
Of what a real, true friend should be.
Author Unknown - Submitted By: Janet S.

Do your part with God...

God will do the rest.
I asked the Lord to bless you
As I prayed for you today,
To guide you and protect you
As you go along your way...

His love is always with you
His promises are true,
And when we give Him all our cares
You know He will see us through.

So when the road you're traveling on
Seems difficult at best...
Just remember I'm here praying
And God will do the rest.

Someone is there for you

Someone you can believe in;
Someone who is there for you,
reminding you to have faith in yourself;
Someone who inspires you to follow your heart;

Someone who looks forward to
spending time with you;
Someone who gives you support, and
helps you acheive so that you can
spread your wings and soar;

Someone who offers you advice,
gives you a peace of mind,
and a sense of pride;
Someone who will listen
and help you through the hard times
drying your tears,
so that all your fears disappear in the night

And that someone is me..

Value of relationships

A man came home from work late, tired and irritated, to find his
5-year old son waiting for him at the door.



SON:   "Daddy, may I ask you a question?"


DAD:   "Yeah sure, what is it?" replied the man.


SON:   "Daddy, how much do you make an hour?"


DAD:   "That's none of your business. Why do you ask such a thing?"
the man said angrily.


SON:    "I just want to know. Please tell me, how much do you make an
hour?"


DAD:    "If you must know, I make Rs..100 an hour."


SON:     "Oh," the little boy replied, with his head down.


SON:   "Daddy, may I please borrow Rs.50?"


The father was furious, "If the only reason you asked that is so you
can borrow some money to buy a silly toy or some other nonsense, then
you march yourself straight to your room and go to bed. Think about
why you are being so selfish. I work hard everyday for such this
childish behavior."


The little boy quietly went to his room and shut the door.


The man sat down and started to get even angrier about the little
boy's questions. How dare he ask such questions only to get some
money?


After about an hour or so, the man had calmed down and started to
think: Maybe there was something he really needed to buy with that
Rs.50 and he really didn't ask for money very often. The man went to
the door of the little boy's room and opened the door.
"Are you asleep, son?" He asked.


"No daddy, I'm awake," replied the boy.


"I've been thinking, maybe I was too hard on you earlier" said the
man.


"It's been a long day and I took out my aggravation on you. Here's the
Rs.50 you asked for."


The little boy sat straight up, smiling. "Oh, thank you daddy!" He
yelled.


Then, reaching under his pillow he pulled out some crumpled up bills.
The man saw that the boy already had money, started to get angry
again. The little boy slowly counted out his money, and then looked up
at his father.


"Why do you want more money if you already have some?" the father
grumbled.


"Because I didn't have enough, but now I do," the little boy replied.


"Daddy, I have Rs. 100 now. Can I buy an hour of your time?

Please come home early tomorrow I would like to have dinner with you"


The father was crushed. He put his arms around his little son, and he
begged for his forgiveness.


It's just a short reminder to all of you working so hard in life. We
should not let time slip through our fingers without having spent some
time with those who really matter to us, those close to our hearts.


Do remember to share that Rs.100 worth of your time with someone you
love.


If we die tomorrow, the company that we are working for could easily
replace us in a matter of days.


But the family & friends we leave behind will feel the loss for the
rest of their lives.  And come to think of it, we pour ourselves more
into work than to our family.

Value Relationships!!!!  

I owe You!

I owe you a hand,
For you always helped out.

I owe you advice,
Of that there’s no doubt.

I owe you respect,
For I got it from you.

I owe you trust,
With my secrets you're true.

I owe you knowledge,
For you taught me so much.

I owe you love,
As my heart you have touched.

I owe you my life,
Because of all you do.

I owe you a friend
Who is honest and true.

I will be honest
and true to you always...

Count your Blessings; not your Problems

A well-known speaker started off his seminar by holding up a
$20 bill. In the room of 200, he asked,
"Who would like this $20 bill?" Hands started
going up. He said, "I am going to give this
$20 to one of you, but first, let me do this."
He proceeded to crumple the dollar bill up. He then asked,
"Who still wants it?"
Still the hands were up in the air.
"Well," he continued, "what if I do this?"
And he dropped it on the ground and
started to grind it into the floor with his shoe.
He picked it up, now crumpled and dirty. "Now who still wants
this $20?" Still the hands went into the air.
"My friends, you have all learned a very valuable lesson.
No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it
because it did not decrease in value.
It was still worth $20.
"Many times in our lives, we are dropped, crumpled, and ground
into the dirt by the decisions we make and
the circumstances that come our way. We feel
as though we are worthless. But no matter
what has happened or what will happen,
you will neverlose your value: dirty or clean,
crumpled or finely creased, you are
still priceless to those who love you."
The worth of our lives comes not in what
we do or who we know, but by WHO WE ARE.

You are special - Don't ever forget it.
Count Your Blessings, not your problems

Acknowldging Jesus...

Matthew 10:32 "Whoever acknowledges Me before men, I will acknowledge him before My Father in heaven. But whoever disowns Me before men, I will disown him before My Father in heaven".

Making sense out of the Storm

Text: Matthew 14:22-33
Topic: How God uses storms to get our attention . . . and then to save us.
Big Idea: We can learn much from the account of Jesus walking across the water in the midst of the storm, and from Peter's boldness to walk on the water toward him.
Keywords: Faith; Rescue; Tragedy; Trials; Trouble; Trust
Introduction:
• We ask "Why me?" when we go through storms unbelievers don't go through.
• Matthew 14:22-33 gives us five principles to help us make sense out of the storm.
Do what the Lord tells you to do.
• Jesus told the disciples to go to the other side of the lake, and they obeyed.
• We often think storms are a result of our disobedience. But it's not necessarily so.
• This passage show you can do exactly what God asks and still face a storm.
Don't get so focused on the storm that you lose sight of Jesus.
• Often God brings storms in order to speak to us; storms get our attention.
• Jesus says, "Be of good cheer. It is I. Do not be afraid."
• The children of Israel had forgotten who God was, and what he could do.
explanation: You're picking a basketball team, and a tall guy walks up. You ask him a few questions about his skills, because you don't know him. Then Michael Jordan shows up; you don't quiz him about his skills, because you know him, and what he can do.
• Whatever you're facing, I Am is on your side.
You won't do anything great for God if you won't get out of the boat.
• Peter was willing to leave the "boat people" behind; we must be willing too.
• The boat is full of the scornful, the doubters. Don't let them get in your way.
• The only person who could have stopped Peter was Peter himself.
In a storm, God will reveal to us that we're not all we think we are.
• We have a tendency to think more highly of ourselves than we should.
• When Peter tried everything he could think of, he blurted, "Lord, save me."
• Storms will keep us from taking ourselves so seriously and God so lightly.
God will save us in the midst of our storms.
• Some of us doubt God's love for us and are always trying to help him out.
• The storm didn't stop until after Jesus and Peter were back in the boat.
• God doesn't have to stop the storm; he can walk with us right through the storm.
Conclusion:
• We don't see God like we should until we go through some storms.

My daily wish...

My daily wish is that we may see good in those who pass our way;
Find in each a worthy trait that we shall gladly cultivate;
See in each one passing by the better things that beautify
A softly spoken word of cheer, A kindly face, a smile sincere.
I pray each day that we may view the things that warm one's heart anew;
The kindly deed that can't be bought
That only from good are wrought,
A burden lightened here and there, a brother lifted from despair,
The aged ones freed from distress; the lame, the sick, brought happiness.
Grant that before each sun has set we'll witness deeds we can't forget;
A soothing hand to one in pain, A sacrifice for love - not gain;
A word to ease the troubled mind of one whom fate has dealt unkind.

Success in Jesus

Philippians 4:13 --- I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

The road to success is not straight. There is a curve called Failure, a loop called Confusion, speed bumps called Friends, red lights called Enemies, caution lights called Family. You will have flats called Jobs. But, if you have a spare called Determination, an engine called Perseverance, insurance called Faith, a driver called Jesus, you will make it to a place called Success.

"Expecting the world to treat you fairly because you are a good person is
a little like expecting the bull not to attack you because you are a
vegetarian." - Dennis Wholey

Knowing...

Once a giant ship engine failed. The ship's owners tried one expert after another, but none of them could figure out how to fix the engine. Then they brought in an old man who had been fixing ships since he was a youngster. He carried a large bag of tools with him, and when he arrived, he immediately went to work. He inspected the engine very carefully, top to bottom. Two of the ship's owners were there, watching this man, hoping he would know what to do. After looking things over, the old man reached into his bag and pulled out a small hammer. He gently tapped something. Instantly, the engine lurched into life. He carefully put his hammer away. The engine was fixed!
A week later, the owners received a bill from the old man for ten thousand dollars."What?!" the owners exclaimed. "He hardly did anything!" So they wrote the old man a note saying, "Please send us an itemized bill."The man sent a bill that read,
Tapping with a hammer...................................$2
Knowing where to tap................................$9998

Trust, belief and Faith

If you don’t believe in yourself and/or dream, it’s hard for others to. Often there is no evidence that your dream is a good idea. But when you believe in it and act on it, you can make it happen. Our beliefs are never neutral. They either move us forward or hold us back and we choose what we believe.

If you can learn to believe in something simply because it matters to you, even when there are no promises or assurances that it will occur, and then act on what you believe, miracles often show up.
After a life-time of working on myself, I have made a profound discovery. I have become overly self-sufficient. I trust and believe in myself, but there is something bigger, better and more delicious available and sometimes my need to be overly independent can compromise that. I am suggesting that there is more to life than trusting ourselves.

I have come to realize that life can become easier, more gentle, rewarding and fulfilling when I don’t have to know all the answers or assume I have to do everything myself.

Faith is different than trust and belief and I am newly writing about this as I explore, discover and create a powerful new relationship with this extraordinary ally. Faith is present whether I choose it or not but as I believe in it, miracles occur. And much like a compassionate parent, faith continues to be present regardless of how I act toward it.

As I open and surrender into a more relaxed state, I sense that I am held and loved by something much bigger and more profound then myself, something ever present. As I get quiet and empty this fact becomes known to me. We are never alone.

That means we don’t have to do it all our self or suffer in silence. It also means we can make significant changes in our life, at any time and at any age. Help is available to those who ask. The shortcut step to accomplishing any dream is to learn to ask for help. But it’s how you ask that can make all the difference. And this is true whether you are asking someone to make an introduction for you or praying to God for forgiveness.

During a recent visit to the Sistine Chapel in Rome, I was awe struck by the beauty, magnificence and artistic expression that went into creating this masterpiece. But the piece I couldn’t take my eyes off of was the panel of God creating Adam. Both have their arms stretched out, longing for life, awakening and creation.

It is an act of faith when we reach out for what we want. This is why I feel it’s powerful to share your dreams. It’s vulnerable, but as you speak your dream out loud, you are sending a powerful message out about what you desire.

Some say through prayer we ask for what we want and through mediation we can hear the answers to our prayers. As dreamers, no matter what your faith, I invite you to open to a faith practice of asking for what you want. Whatever form this takes for you, I encourage you to take some time to stop, feel your heart, connect to you longing and use faith as a powerful guide to aid you in taking your important next step.

The Power of the Hands

Grandma, some ninety plus years, sat feebly on the patio bench. She didn't move, just sat with her head down staring at her hands. When I sat down beside her she didn't acknowledge my presence and the longer I sat I wondered if she was OK. Finally, not really wanting to disturb her but wanting to check on her at the same time, I asked her if she was OK.

She raised her head and looked at me and smiled. 'Yes, I'm fine, thank you for asking,' she said in a clear strong voice.

'I didn't mean to disturb you, Grandma, but you were just sitting here staring at your hands and I wanted to make sure you were OK,' I explained to her.

'Have you ever looked at your hands?' she asked. 'I mean really looked at your hands?' I slowly opened my hands and stared down at them. I turned them over, palms up and then palms down. No, I guess I had never really looked at my hands as I tried to figure out the point she was making.

Grandma smiled and related the following story:

'Stop and think for a moment about the hands you have, how they have served you well throughout your years.

'These hands, though wrinkled, shrivelled and weak have been the tools I have used all my life to reach out and grab and embrace life. They braced and caught my fall when as a toddler I crashed upon the floor. They put food in my mouth and clothes on my back. As a child my mother taught me to fold them in prayer. They tied my shoes and pulled on my boots.

'They held my husband and wiped my tears when he went off to war They have been dirty, scraped and raw, swollen and bent.!

'They were uneasy and clumsy when I tried to hold my newborn son. Decorated with my wedding band they showed the world that I was married and loved someone special.

'They wrote my letters to him and trembled and shook when I buried my parents and spouse. They have held my children and grandchildren, consoled neighbours, and shook in fists of anger when I didn't understand. They have covered my face, combed my hair, and washed and cleansed the rest of my body.

'They have been sticky and wet, bent and broken, dried and raw. And to this day when not much of anything else of me works real well these hands hold me up, lay me down, and again continue to fold in prayer.

'These hands are the mark of where I've been and the ruggedness of life. But more importantly it will be these hands that God will reach out and take when he leads me home. And with my hands He will lift me to His side and there I will use these hands to touch the face of Christ.'

I will never look at my hands the same again. God reached out and took my grandma's hands and led her home. When my hands are hurt or sore or when I stroke the face of my children and husband I think of Grandma. I know she has been held by the hands of God. And I, too, want to touch the face of God and feel His hands upon my face.

Saint Theresa's Prayer

May today there be peace within.
May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.
May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.
May you be content knowing you are a child of God. Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.
It is there for each and every one of us.

Shared gift ... Encouragement ...

Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room. One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs. His bed was next to the room's only window. The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back.

The men talked for hours on end. They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation. Every afternoon when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window.

The man in the other bed began to live, for those one-hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the world outside. The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake. Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Young lovers walked arm-in-arm amidst flowers of every color of the rainbow. Grand old trees graced the landscape, and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance.

As the man by the window described all this in exquisite detail, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine the picturesque scene. One warm afternoon the man by the window described a parade passing by. Although the other man couldn't hear the band - he could see it in his mind's eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words.

Days and weeks passed. One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died peacefully in his sleep. She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away. As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be moved next to the window The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone.
Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look at the world outside. Finally, he would have the joy of seeing it for himself. He strained to slowly turn to look out the window beside the bed. It faced a blank wall. The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window. The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall. She said, "Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you."

Epilogue
There is tremendous happiness in making others happy, despite our own situations. Shared grief is half the sorrow, but happiness when shared, is doubled. If you want to feel rich, just count all the things you have that money can't buy."Today is a gift, that's why it is called the present."

"May the Lord of peace himself give you His peace no matter what happens. The Lord be with you all." 2 Thessalonians 3:16

Take time to live

A story tells that two friends were walking through the desert. During some point of the journey they had an argument, and one friend slapped the other one in the face. The one who got slapped was hurt, but without saying anything, wrote in the sand: "TODAY MY BEST FRIEND SLAPPED ME IN THE FACE.

They kept on walking until they found an oasis, where they decided to take a bath. The one who had been slapped got stuck in the mire and started drowning, but the friend saved him. After he recovered from the near drowning, he wrote on a stone: "TODAY MY BEST FRIEND SAVED MY LIFE."

The friend who had slapped and saved his best friend asked him, "After I hurt you, you wrote in the sand and now, you write on a stone, why?" The other friend replied: "When someone hurts us we should write it down in sand where winds of forgiveness can erase it away. But, when someone does something good for us, we must engrave it in stone where no wind can ever erase it." LEARN TO WRITE YOUR HURTS IN THE SAND AND TO CARVE YOUR BENEFITS IN STONE.

They say it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them, but then an entire life to forget them. Send this phrase to the people you'll never forget and remember to send it also to the person who sent it to you. It's a short message to let them know that you'll never forget them. If you don't send it to anyone, it means you're in a hurry and that you've forgotten your friends. Take the time to live!!!

Echoes of Life

A son and his father were walking on the mountains. Suddenly, the son falls, hurts himself and screams: "AAAhhhhhhhhhhh!!!"

To his surprise, he hears the voice repeating, somewhere in the mountain: "AAAhhhhhhhhhhh!!!"
Curious, he yells: "Who are you?"

He receives the answer: "Who are you?"

Angered at the response, he screams: "Coward!"

He receives the answer: "Coward!"
He looks to his father and asks: "What's going on?"

The father smiles and says: "My son, pay attention." And then he screams to the mountain: "I admire you!" The voice answers: "I admire you!"

Again the man screams: "You are a champion!"
The voice answers: "You are a champion!"

The boy is surprised, but does not understand. Then the father explains: "People call this ECHO, but really this is LIFE. It gives you back everything you say or do. Our life is simply a reflection of our actions."

If you want more love in the world, create more love in your heart. If you want more competence in your team, improve your competence.

This relationship applies to everything, in all aspects of life; Life will give you back everything you have given to it.